Actor Michael Landon, best known for Little House On The Prairie and Highway to Heaven, died of cancer in 1991. His family gathered around his bed, and his son said it was time to move on. Landon said, “You’re right. It’s time. I love you all.” British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s last words were, “I’m bored with it all.” Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, uttered these last words: “Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow!” History records famous last words of prominent people. Some are rather ironic, others are cliché, some are just very boring, nevertheless, because of the notoriety of the person who said them, they’ve been recorded. Rarely ever though are FIRST words ever recorded. I feel there wouldn’t be very much variety or complexity in first words. Common ones are “no,” “bye,” “dada,” and “hi.” However, the Bible records some AMAZING first words.
The first ever audible utterance spoken in the whole Bible was by God. At the beginning of creation, He says, “Let there be light.” And because He spoke it, it existed. Darkness is defined as the absence of light, it has no source. Light always has a source, and we are blessed because the source of our light is Jesus Christ. As believers, we know that Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
My favorite first words are the ones that God ever spoke to a human sinner. After Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, they hid. God, knowing already what they did, came after them saying, “Where are you?” There was no condemnation, God was simply saying “I’m looking for you.” What a picture of His love for us… the Bible tells us that even while we were sinners, He loved us. Even when we feel that our sin disqualifies us from His presence, He’ll qualify us and even come after us. He understands our repentance before we can confess it to Him.
Interesting to note are Jesus’ first words in each of the gospels. In Matthew, He says “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” Jesus was speaking to John concerning baptism. If even Jesus acquiesces to the what the Father asks of us, how much more should we? Jesus was demonstrating obedience. He said if God requires it, He’s going to do it. In Mark, He says, “The time promised by God has come at last! The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” Here is the Son of God simply declaring the entire gospel. This set the tone for the entirety of His ministry on the Earth. In Luke, twelve-year-old Jesus answers His mom and dad “But why did you need to search? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s House?” Jesus looks for those who know Him, and who know where to find Him. You can read more of this account here.
In John, Jesus answers John the Baptist’s disciples, “What are you looking for...Come and see.” Imagine that PG, Jesus tells you to come and see where He is! I’m so there!!!
These are the first words that I want to hold on to. Messages of hope and grace, invitations and promises. And finally, in Matthew 10:32 Jesus says, “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” So, the first words Jesus will speak to us in heaven – it’ll be to the effect of “I know you daughter.” That is BIG! Whenever you feel overlooked PG, when you feel invisible – know that your Jesus knows you. And to be known by Him is better than being known by anyone else. You are engraved on Your Father’s heart, let Him be engraved on yours. I pray today that you hold all His words closely and cherish each one.
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